British tennis sensation Jack Draper achieved a significant milestone in his career by securing his first ATP Tour title with a thrilling victory over Italy’s Matteo Berrettini at the Stuttgart Open.
Draper, 22, displayed remarkable resilience and determination to come back from a set down, ultimately winning 3-6, 7-6 (7-5), 6-4 on the grass courts of Germany. This victory marks Draper’s first success in an ATP Tour final after two previous attempts.
Berrettini, a formidable opponent who reached the Wimbledon final in 2021, started strong by breaking Draper in the fourth game, which led to him taking the first set 6-3. The Italian’s powerful serve and aggressive baseline play seemed to put him in control early on.
However, Draper refused to be discouraged. The second set was highly competitive, with both players holding their serves tightly. Draper had two set-point opportunities at 5-4 but couldn’t convert them. The set eventually went to a tiebreak, where Draper’s tenacity paid off. He edged out Berrettini 7-5, forcing the match into a deciding third set.
In the final set, both players continued to hold serve until 3-3, when Draper seized the crucial break. He then maintained his focus and composure, holding his serve twice to secure the historic win. This victory is not just a testament to Draper’s skill but also his mental toughness and ability to perform under pressure.
This victory at the Stuttgart Open propels Draper to new heights in his career. He is set to be confirmed as the British number one on Monday, surpassing Cameron Norrie in the rankings. Additionally, Draper will rise to 32nd in the world rankings, which could earn him a seeded position at Wimbledon.
Draper is now looking to build on this momentum as he heads back to English soil for the prestigious Queen’s Club Championships next week. With Wimbledon beginning on July 1, Draper aims to continue his strong performance and make a significant impact on one of tennis’s grandest stages.
This win is a promising sign for Draper’s future in tennis, highlighting his potential to become a major force in the sport. As he continues to develop and gain experience, the tennis world will be watching closely to see how far this young talent can go.